27 Nov 2022

Clecoed rudder internal structure together, then riveted it all except for the upper gusset channel which needs to be primed first. Lower control bracket for rudder cables was test fitted using clecos, but not fitted at this stage - will be done once the skin is fitted, it's easier to get alignment without the control horns getting in the way. The bottom of the lower gusset channel is clecoed in place for now.

Clecoed and then partially riveted the elevator counterweight arm assembly. Discovered I was missing many of the 3.2x12mm RIV-144 rivets which had been sent for alodining, so it is only partially assembled. Pulled the 4 stainless steel rivets and had an issue with two of the mandrels breaking off right near the end, leaving long stems exposed. I'm not sure if they are properly installed, so have contacted Sling technical for assistance. Assuming they have seated fully, I may need to grind the mandrels off. Not looking forward to that given that they are stainless steel. Sling advised that the two rivets be replaced - will need to drill them out and re-rivet.

Discovered one minor gotcha - the rivet in the corner of the counterweight arm, just above the vertical section, must be installed before the control horn mount angle brackets, otherwise they will interfere with the rivet gun. Probably easiest to rivet the 7 bottom rivets which join parts 2 and 3 together before doing the rest of the assembly. Luckily I spotted it before any riveting was commenced.

Clecoed and assembled the elevator internal structure. Centre hinge is left cleoed in place for now. Left tip rib 4 is clecoed in place, I want to do some minor primer touching up before riveting it in place.

Assembled the left elevator inspection cover plate. Messed up the rivnut orientation and had to remove it and install a replacement.

Deburred and degreased the replacement right elevator skin. Discovered a blemish between holes 7 and 8 (counting from inside towards the tip) on the top section of skin at the main spar rivet holes. It looks like something was caught between the skin and the press when the holes were formed in the skin. Have contacted Sling technical to confirm it is okay to use it. Skin is not punctured, should be okay to use. Sling confirmed it is okay to proceed with the skin as-is.